102nd District Republican State Representative Adam Niemerg has sent a letter to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzger asking for his immediate action to stem the flow of illegal drugs into state prisons including the Lawrence Correctional facility near Sumner.
The letters was sent after Niemerg toured the prison and also the Robinson Correctional facility recently.
He indicated that there is a growing concern at the prisons as both inmates and staff have been hospitalized and four inmates, including one at the Lawrence County location, have died from exposure to synthetic cannabis. People are lacing letters to inmates with the highly potent drug and mailing them to the prisons. When inmates light up the paper laced with the synthetic drug, they breathe it in and become sick and guards and other prison staff in close proximity also breathe it in and become sick.
The representative says there is a simple solution to the matter-allowing the Department of Corrections (DOC) to purchase copy machines to copy the drug-laced mail onto clean paper and then having it delivered to the inmates and then destroying or returning the originals.
However, so far, nothing has been done and Niemerg added that something must be done to avoid more hospitalizations, deaths and to protect the DOC personnel.
Indiana wrapping up recounts in three legislative races
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 in Vermillion County
Illinois man arrested after chase through Vermillion, Parke counties
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses
IFB: Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Full steam ahead: Indiana State Fair to debut new Family Train Ride in 2026
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Arts grant to support Parke Players’ summer musical, Ritz Theater
Missing teen Peyton Fulk found in Florida
Vermillion County Commissioners ready to look at solar overhaul
Know your fireworks laws, safety this holiday season
Two Parke County road closures today
